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Iranian Military Chief Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Hezbollah Leader

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Iranian Military Chief Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Hezbollah Leader

An Israeli airstrike targeting the new leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon may have also killed one of Iran’s top military commanders, according to reports from Middle Eastern media outlets on Saturday.

Esmail Qaani, head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, is believed to have been present during an attack on Hashem Safieddine, who recently took over Hezbollah leadership following the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah last month. The strike occurred Thursday night in southern Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold.

“If confirmed, the death of Qaani would represent a significant blow to Iran’s military capabilities,” said Dr. Emily Landau, senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. “It could also further escalate tensions in an already volatile region.”

Lebanese sources told Sky News Arabia that all contact with Safieddine has been lost since the attack. The Israeli military has not officially confirmed any deaths resulting from the operation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking after the Jewish New Year, did not address Qaani’s reported death but stated Israel was fighting on “seven fronts.” He criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for an arms embargo on Israel, saying, “Israel will win with or without their support.”

The attack took place in Dahieh, a heavily bombed suburb of Beirut. Lebanese sources report difficulty in assessing casualties due to ongoing drone strikes in the area.

Qaani, 67, succeeded Qassem Soleimani as Quds Force leader in 2020 after Soleimani’s death in a U.S. drone strike. His potential death could significantly impact Iran’s regional strategy and its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah.

As tensions escalate, international leaders are calling for restraint. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged all sides to “step back from the brink,” warning that further escalation could have far-reaching consequences.

Investigator Suggests Combs Link to Tupac Shakur’s Murder

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Investigator Suggests Combs Link to Tupac Shakur’s Murder

Sheryl McCollum, a crime scene investigator who worked on Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder case, has suggested a possible connection between Sean “Diddy” Combs and the rapper’s death, as well as his earlier 1994 shooting.

Speaking to NewsNation on Friday, McCollum said, “This whole thing to me started in 1994 — the first time Tupac is shot.” She questioned the circumstances of the 1994 incident at New York’s Quad Studios, where Shakur was shot during an alleged robbery while Combs and an entourage were present in the building.

“Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs and his entourage of 40? Unharmed. Unthreatened,” McCollum noted, expressing skepticism about the official narrative.

Shakur had previously accused Combs, along with rapper Biggie Smalls and their label Bad Boy Records, of involvement in the 1994 shooting, citing their apparent lack of concern when he arrived at the studio wounded.

McCollum also drew parallels between the 1994 incident and Shakur’s fatal 1996 shooting in Las Vegas. “Both times that Tupac Shakur is shot, he is trapped in something,” she observed. “He’s trapped in an elevator, and then he’s trapped in a car. There is literally nowhere to run.”

These comments come amid renewed interest in Shakur’s unsolved murder, following recent developments in the case. Authorities have not commented on McCollum’s statements.

Representatives for Combs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these allegations.

As the investigation into Shakur’s death continues, these statements add to the complex narrative surrounding one of hip-hop’s most enduring mysteries.

Flames Erupt from Frontier Airlines Jet During Las Vegas Landing

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Flames Erupt from Frontier Airlines Jet During Las Vegas Landing

A Frontier Airlines jet experienced a dramatic landing at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Saturday when flames shot out from its mid-to-rear section, according to eyewitness reports and video footage.

Flight 1326 from San Diego touched down at 3:37 p.m. local time, about 30 minutes behind schedule. As the aircraft landed, substantial flames were visible near the plane’s landing gear.

Airport emergency responders reacted swiftly, arriving at the scene within seconds to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading or causing additional damage.

“The quick response of our emergency teams was crucial in managing this situation,” said a spokesperson for Harry Reid International Airport, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly about the incident.

Tyler Herrick, a user on social media platform X who first shared images of the incident, reported that passengers were able to disembark via stairs without the need for emergency escape chutes.

A Frontier Airlines spokesperson stated, “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of this incident.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been related to the aircraft’s braking system, though this has not been officially confirmed.

As the investigation continues, aviation experts emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and safety protocols in preventing such incidents.

No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. Frontier Airlines has not yet commented on whether this incident will affect its flight schedules or operations at Las Vegas airport.

Liverpool Tops Premier League, City and Arsenal Keep Pace

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Liverpool Tops Premier League, City and Arsenal Keep Pace

Liverpool claimed the Premier League’s top spot heading into the international break with a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, while Manchester City and Arsenal both staged comebacks to secure home victories.

Diogo Jota’s early goal propelled Liverpool to their sixth win in seven league games under new manager Arne Slot. The Reds now have 18 points, with City and Arsenal close behind on 17.

“It’s definitely very satisfying,” Slot said of his strong start. “It’s actually quite special if you know how many great managers Liverpool had.”

Manchester City overcame an early deficit to beat Fulham 3-2, with Mateo Kovacic scoring twice. Arsenal also rallied from behind to defeat winless Southampton 3-1, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.

In other matches, Newcastle United drew 0-0 at Everton, with former Toffee Anthony Gordon missing a penalty. Leicester City secured their first Premier League win since promotion, beating Bournemouth 1-0.

Brentford continued their trend of early goals, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-3 in a high-scoring affair. West Ham United claimed their first home league win of the season, beating Ipswich Town 4-1.

Liverpool’s victory came at a cost, with injuries to goalkeeper Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s resilience, while Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta commended his side’s response to going behind.

As the Premier League pauses for international matches, the title race remains tight, with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal separated by just one point at the top of the table.

Sunday’s fixtures include Aston Villa hosting struggling Manchester United, as the Premier League’s exciting start to the season continues.

Rwanda Says Congo Refused to Sign Deal on M23 Conflict

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Rwanda Says Congo Refused to Sign Deal on M23 Conflict

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Saturday that his Congolese counterpart refused to sign an agreed-upon deal aimed at resolving the M23 rebel conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has displaced over 1.7 million people.

Speaking on the sidelines of a summit for French-speaking countries in France, Nduhungirehe told Reuters that delegates, including Congo’s head of military intelligence, had previously agreed to a plan “for neutralising the FDLR and lifting Rwanda’s defence measures.”

The deal was scheduled to be signed by ministers on September 14. “We were ready to sign … but the Congolese minister refused,” Nduhungirehe said, adding that the Congolese objected to the proposed timeline of actions.

Congo, the United Nations, and others accuse Rwanda of backing the Tutsi-led M23 group, a claim Rwanda denies. Rwanda, in turn, accuses Congo of fighting alongside the Hutu rebel group FDLR.

The conflict has deepened the region’s humanitarian crisis and raised fears of a wider war. Recent negotiations aimed to ease tensions, but this latest development highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching a resolution.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted separate meetings with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, acknowledged the situation remains “too tense” for a three-way meeting.

As regional diplomatic efforts continue, the failure to sign this agreement underscores the complex nature of the conflict and the difficulties in achieving lasting peace in the region.

A spokesperson for the Congolese government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Hungarians Rally Against ‘Propaganda Factory’ in State Media

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Hungarians Rally Against ‘Propaganda Factory’ in State Media

Thousands of protesters gathered outside Hungary’s public media headquarters in Budapest on Saturday, decrying what they call a taxpayer-funded propaganda network operated by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s nationalist government.

The demonstration was led by Péter Magyar, Hungary’s rising opposition figure and leader of the TISZA party, which has emerged as a significant challenger to Orbán’s 15-year rule.

“What is happening here in Hungary in 2024, and calling itself ‘public service’ media, is a global scandal,” Magyar told the crowd. “Enough of the nastiness, enough of the lies, enough of the propaganda. Our patience has run out.”

Magyar’s TISZA party, which garnered nearly 30% in recent European Union elections, has vocally criticized Orbán’s media influence. Reporters Without Borders estimates government-aligned business tycoons control about 80% of Hungary’s media market resources.

Demonstrators expressed frustration with perceived media bias. Balázs Tömpe, who traveled hours to attend, called the state media headquarters a “factory of lies.”

Ágnes Gera, a retired teacher, lamented the lack of diverse voices in public media. “It’s very burdensome and unfortunate that the system works this way where the public only hears from one side,” she said.

Magyar demanded the resignation of the public media director and called for opposition politicians to have fair access to state television. He announced plans for another demonstration on October 23, Hungary’s national day commemorating the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising.

Ukraine Downs Russian Warplane as Russia Claims Eastern Gains

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Ukraine Downs Russian Warplane as Russia Claims Eastern Gains

Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian fighter plane near Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk province Saturday, while Russia claimed to have captured a village in the same region, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the conflict.

Serhiy Horbunov, head of the Kostiantynivka Military Administration, reported the downing of the Russian bomber to Ukraine’s public broadcaster, Suspilne. Photos showed charred aircraft remains on a house that caught fire.

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced it had taken control of the village of Zhelanne Druhe in Donetsk province. This claim follows Ukraine’s recent withdrawal from the nearby town of Vuhledar after a two-year defense.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to present his “victory plan” at the October 12 Ramstein group meeting. “We will present clear, concrete steps towards a just end to the war,” Zelenskyy stated on social media platform X.

In other developments, two civilians died in Russian shelling in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting Russian missiles and drones overnight, while nine people were wounded when a Ukrainian drone struck a bus in Russian-controlled Horlivka, Donetsk region.

Russia claimed to have shot down 10 Ukrainian drones over three border regions, further underscoring the ongoing aerial warfare component of the conflict.

Global Pro-Palestinian Rallies Surge Ahead of Oct. 7 Anniversary

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Global Pro-Palestinian Rallies Surge Ahead of Oct. 7 Anniversary

Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in major cities worldwide Saturday, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza as the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel approaches.

In Rome, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters after a largely peaceful rally turned chaotic. At least 30 officers and three demonstrators were injured in the clashes, according to local media.

London saw thousands march to Downing Street amid a heavy police presence. The Metropolitan Police reported at least 17 arrests for public order offenses and other charges. Tensions flared as pro-Palestinian protesters and counterdemonstrators passed each other.

“We need to be out on the streets in even bigger numbers to stop this carnage,” said Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain.

In Paris, several thousand gathered at Republique Plaza, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like “stop the genocide.” Similar scenes unfolded in Hamburg, New York’s Times Square, and other global locations including Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, and India.

Security forces in several countries warned of heightened alert levels, fearing potential terror attacks or violent protests as the Oct. 7 anniversary nears. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized, “We are already in a condition of maximum prevention.”

The global demonstrations come against the backdrop of a year marked by ongoing conflict. Since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel last October, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, more than 41,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

As rallies continue through the weekend, authorities remain on high alert, balancing security concerns with the right to protest. Pro-Israeli demonstrations are expected Sunday, adding to the complex and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the anniversary.

Ukraine Claims Russia Executed 93 POWs Since War’s Start

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Ukraine Claims Russia Executed 93 POWs Since War’s Start

Ukrainian authorities have documented evidence of 93 Ukrainian prisoners of war being executed by Russian forces since the beginning of the invasion, a senior law enforcement official said Wednesday.

Yuriy Belousov, head of the war crimes investigation department at the Prosecutor-General’s Office, revealed the figure during a televised appearance on the Yedyniy Novyny broadcast.

“We have information about the death of 93 of our soldiers who were executed on the battlefield,” Belousov stated. He noted that about 80% of the executions occurred this year, with a significant increase observed since November.

The announcement comes days after the Prosecutor-General’s Office launched an investigation into what it described as the “largest mass execution” of Ukrainian POWs by Russian troops. The incident, allegedly involving 16 prisoners, took place near villages in the Donetsk region.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show Ukrainian soldiers being captured and subsequently shot, though these have not been independently verified.

Ukraine’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, said he has contacted the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the deaths, citing violations of the Geneva Conventions.

In March, a UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission report documented the execution of at least 32 Ukrainian POWs in 12 separate cases from December 2023 to February 2024.

The execution of surrendered soldiers is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.

A VOA Story

Uganda Military Chief Threatens to Expel U.S. Ambassador

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Uganda Military Chief Threatens to Expel U.S. Ambassador

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, chief of Uganda’s defense forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has issued an ultimatum to U.S. Ambassador William Popp to apologize or leave the country by Monday morning, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

The threat comes days after the United States sanctioned four Ugandan police officers for human rights violations. Kainerugaba, in a series of posts on social media platform X, accused Popp of “disrespecting our beloved and celebrated president and for undermining the constitution of Uganda.”

Sewanyana Livingstone, director of the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda, told VOA that Kainerugaba lacks the authority to declare Popp persona non grata. “He needs to calm down. He needs to understand that Uganda is not him, neither is he Uganda,” Livingstone said.

The U.S. State Department recently sanctioned four Ugandan police officers for gross human rights violations, including torture and cruel treatment. The officers were identified as Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye.

Herbert Sam Nsubuga, executive director of the African Center for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, expressed concern over rising torture cases in Uganda. “Just halfway this year, we have made 903 cases. So, it’s still really an issue,” Nsubuga stated.

In response to Kainerugaba’s threats, the U.S. Embassy in Uganda quoted State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, saying the embassy, ambassador, and U.S. government continue to work normally with Ugandan authorities on various issues.

Miller emphasized the U.S. commitment to supporting justice for victims and accountability for human rights violations worldwide, including restricting U.S. travel visas for individuals with demonstrated evidence of abuses.

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